Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and Illinois Eastern Community College (IECC) system, have signed articulation agreements providing a seamless path for the community college students to transfer their associate’s degrees to complete a bachelor’s degree at SMWC. The IECC includes Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, Wabash Valley College, and Frontier Community College.

Dottie King, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College said, “This agreement is evidence of all our shared commitment to increase opportunities for student access to higher education. We expect this partnership will help students to transition from one institution to the other.”

SMWC also announced the new Illinois Eastern Community College Grant for students who transfer a completed associate's degree. “All students who transfer from IECC to The Woods with an associate's degree will receive a guaranteed scholarship of $2,500 for the campus program and a guaranteed scholarship of $2,000 for those enrolling in the Woods Online program at SMWC,” said Laura Hale, transfer coordinator at SMWC.

Matt Fowler, Ph. D., president of Wabash Valley College continued, “Today, so much emphasis is on cost of debt. This allows our students to finish their two-year degree and then have an easier transition to finish their four-year degree. It eliminates some of the financial challenges and provides them a seamless transfer.”

The presidents also discussed their mutual interest in preparing students for productive career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Olney Central College President Rodney Ranes, M.S., said, “This agreement is a good fit, as it brings new possibilities to our students who are interested in the STEM fields.”

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